Enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans

European Commission's College meeting on 06/02/2018

• Extracts from the Read-out of the College meeting of 06/02/2018 by Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC, and Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European
• Read-out of the College meeting by HRVP Federica MOGHERINI and Commissioner Johannes HAHN to present the Western Balkans Strategy

European Parliament's Plenary session on 06/02/2018

• Opening statement by Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC, and Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations
• MEPs debate
• Closing statement by Johannes HAHN, Member of the EC in charge of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations

As President Juncker announced in his 2017 State of the Union address, the Commission adopted on 6 February a strategy for 'A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans' (and the Annex with Action Plan), confirming the European future of the region as a geostrategic investment in a stable, strong and united Europe based on common values. It spells out the priorities and areas of joint reinforced cooperation, addressing the specific challenges the Western Balkans face, in particular the need for fundamental reforms and good neighbourly relations. A credible enlargement perspective requires sustained efforts and irreversible reforms. Progress along the European path is an objective and merit-based process which depends on the concrete results achieved by each individual country.

Today, the European Commission announced six flagship initiatives - specific actions that the EU will take over the next years to support the transformation efforts of the Western Balkans in areas of mutual interest. These range from initiatives to strengthen the rule of law, reinforced cooperation on security and migration through joint investigating teams and the European Border and coast guard, expanding the EU Energy Union to the Western Balkans or lowering roaming charges and rolling out broadband in the region. The Strategy also underlines the need for the EU to be prepared to welcome new members once they have met the criteria.

Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans

Sustainable transport

Clean energy

Environment & Climate

Digital future

Private sector

Human capital

Market integration

Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

Cleaning energy sources, protecting the climate

Moving to a circular economy

Depolluting air, water and soil

Building sustainable agriculture and food systems

Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems